Prebiotics. Protein. Omega 3 fatty acids. Adaptogens.
What do all of these things have in common?

Drinks.

Over the past few years, the functional beverage industry has exploded. These products—sparkling prebiotic sodas, protein waters, mushroom teas, electrolyte tablets—promise everything from better gut health to sharper focus and improved immunity. With sleek branding and strong marketing,
it’s no surprise that more consumers are reaching for them.

But as these beverages become more mainstream, one question naturally arises:
Will our patients on dialysis be tempted to try them—and if they do, are there concerns we should be addressing?

Below, we break down the pros and cons of common functional beverage ingredients to help guide patient conversations.

Prebiotics

Commonly found in: sparkling waters, fruit sodas, colas.
Typical fiber content: 3–5 g per serving.
Sources: cassava, chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, agave inulin.

👍 Pros

  • Adds fiber—something many patients lack in their diet.
  • Supports gut health and may help with regularity.

👎 Cons

  • Adds to total fluid intake.
  • To reach the recommended 25 g of fiber using beverages alone, a patient would need to drink 1.78–2.6 liters—not feasible for those on fluid restrictions.
  • Cost can be high compared to whole food fiber sources.
  • Some brands average $0.79 per gram of fiber, making them an expensive strategy for meeting fiber needs especially when compared to
    fiber-dense foods like beans which are roughly $0.09 per gram of fiber.

Bottom line: Prebiotic drinks can be a helpful supplement to dietary fiber, but fluid burden and cost make them impractical as a primary source.

Protein
Commonly found in: protein waters, shakes, collagen drinks, clear protein beverages.
Typical protein content: 10–30 g per serving.

👍 Pros

  • Convenient way to increase protein intake, especially for patients struggling with appetite.
  • Clear protein beverages may be easier to tolerate than creamy shakes.
  • Can help meet higher protein needs for dialysis patients.

👎 Cons

  • Some products contain added potassium or phosphorus, which may not be obvious from the front label.
  • Collagen based drinks provide incomplete protein (low in essential amino acids).
  • Sweetened versions may contain sugar alcohols that cause GI upset.
  • Adds to fluid intake.

Bottom line: Protein beverages can be beneficial, but label reading is essential to avoid hidden electrolytes and additives. And it is important to select
the right protein beverage based on patient preference or need – or more calorie and nutrient-dense oral nutrition supplement may be needed.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Commonly found in: fortified waters, emulsified drinks, “brain health” beverages.

👍 Pros

  • Omega 3s may support cardiovascular health, inflammation reduction, and triglyceride management.
  • Useful for patients who do not consume fatty fish.

👎 Cons

  • Amounts in beverages are often far below therapeutic doses.
  • Products may be expensive relative to capsules or dietary sources.
  • Some drinks contain added sugars or flavorings to mask fishy taste.

Bottom line: Omega 3 beverages are generally safe but rarely provide meaningful doses. Supplements or food sources are typically more effective.

Sugar Alcohols

Commonly found in: prebiotic sodas, “zero sugar” drinks, protein beverages.
Examples: erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, allulose.

👍 Pros

  • Reduce added sugar content.
  • Lower impact on blood glucose.

👎 Cons

  • Can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, especially in patients with history of GI issues or sensitivities.
  • Excessive intake may worsen GI discomfort already common in dialysis patients.

Bottom line: Sugar alcohols aren’t harmful to kidney function, but GI tolerance varies widely.

Adaptogens

Commonly found in: mushroom coffees/teas, herbal tonics, “stress support” drinks.
Examples: ashwagandha, reishi, lion’s mane, ginseng.

👍 Pros

  • Marketed for stress reduction, cognitive support, and immune benefits.
  • Some ingredients have emerging research behind them.

👎 Cons

  • Limited safety data in patients with kidney disease.
  • Potential interactions with medications (e.g., immunosuppressants, anticoagulants).
  • Quality and potency vary widely across brands.
  • Some mushroom-based drinks are high in potassium.

Bottom line: Adaptogenic beverages should be approached with caution. Encourage patients to discuss these products before use.

Fluid Considerations
For patients on dialysis, fluid is always part of the equation. Even beneficial ingredients lose their value if the drink contributes to fluid overload.

Key reminders:

  • Functional beverages often come in 12–16 oz servings, which add up quickly.
  • Patients may not realize that “health drinks” still count toward their daily fluid limit.
  • Encourage patients to prioritize beverages that provide the most benefit per ounce.

Final Thoughts
Functional beverages can offer some advantages, but they’re not universally safe or necessary for patients on dialysis. The key is helping patients evaluate:

  • Is the benefit meaningful?
  • Is the fluid worth it?
  • Are there hidden ingredients that could cause harm?
  • Is there a more effective or affordable alternative?

With thoughtful guidance, patients can navigate the functional beverage trend without compromising their health.
If you want to learn more about nutrition strategies for patients on dialysis to combat fluid overload, malnutrition, gut health, and more,
please visit our website and check out our Clinician Login for resources.

 

We thank our guest blogger Maiya Hogan, MS, RDN, CD, CNSC, Director, Research and Education for sharing her knowledge and writing this blog post!

Disclaimer: This article was drafted by a human and refined using AI-assisted technologies for improved clarity and flow.